The 28-year-old struggled to get many starts last season after the arrival of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas in recent transfer windows. He made 26 appearances for the Blues, but only 11 of those were in the starting XI, and the situation looks likely to change in time for the next campaign. Especially as fellow central midfielder Ramires is in talks over a new contract despite interest from Juventus, as The Independent reported.

Manager Jose Mourinho is keen to keep the Nigeria international at Stamford Bridge, but it could be hard to do so with there being so little chance of extra first team opportunities in the near future.

Inter boss Roberto Mancini is looking to improve his side after finishing a lowly eighth last time round. The former Manchester City manager has already picked up the very impressive 22-year-old Geoffrey Kondogbia, and Melo or the Chelsea man could partner the France international in the middle of the park as he looks to guide the Italian giants back to the Champions League.

Mikel has now been playing for the Blues for the past nine years, making 333 appearances for the team along the way. In that time he has picked up two Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, two League Cups, a Europa League, and most impressively a Champions League. As such he will be a big miss if the Nerazzurri do buy him.